Australia - Strawberry industry and research

Abstract

Strawberry growing in Australia is undergoing an expansion in production. Two breeding programmes are attempting to develop new cultivars for both winter production areas and spring-autumn production areas. There is a large diversity of climatic environments, and therefore diverse requirements for new cultivars. Methods of production vary extensively from single rows to multiple rows, utilising a variety of mulching practices as well as small to large scale hydroponics systems. A summary of past and continuing research programmes covering plant genetic improvement, integrated pest management (IPM), nutrition, market research, strawberry quality assurance, postharvest, hydroponic production systems and best agricultural practices have been presented.